Washer and Dryer Buying Guide (2026)

Buying a Washer and Dryer: What to Know Before You Choose

A washer and dryer is one of the few appliance purchases where your home's layout decides as much as the product does. Before comparing features, work out what hookups you have, how much room you have, and how much laundry your household does. This guide covers those basics and where price fits in.

Who This Suits

Buying a matched set suits most households replacing both machines at once, since capacities and finishes line up. Buying one machine makes sense if the other still works. The washers category runs from $529 to $2,299, and dryers run from $529 to $2,399. Pre-matched washer-dryer sets on the site run from $760 to $4,499.

Front Load vs. Top Load

Front loaders are generally gentler on fabric and use less water. They also tend to cost more, and they need you to bend to load them unless you add a pedestal. Top loaders are easier to reach into and usually cost less. Both styles appear in the catalog, including top-load pairings from Amana and Midea.

Think about who is doing the laundry. If bending is a concern, a top loader or a front loader on a pedestal is worth considering.

Gas vs. Electric Dryers

The choice depends on what your laundry area already has. An electric dryer needs a dedicated high-voltage outlet. A gas dryer needs a gas line and a venting path. Gas models usually cost more up front, but check local utility rates before assuming one is cheaper to run.

Ventless heat pump dryers are another route if running an exterior vent is difficult. Confirm the exact requirements for any model before you order.

Capacity in Cubic Feet

Capacity appears in most product names here, so it is easy to compare. Washers in the catalog range from compact units under 3 cubic feet to 5.0 cubic feet or more. Dryers are usually larger than their matching washers. A bigger drum helps with comforters and large loads, but it also takes more space and usually costs more. A smaller household may never use the extra capacity.

Stacked Laundry Centers

A stacked unit puts the dryer above the washer, saving floor space in closets and hallways. The tradeoff is vertical clearance and a more involved installation. You also replace both machines together if one fails. Frigidaire, Electrolux, LG and Speed Queen all list stacked options.

Hookups and Space to Check

• Measure the width, depth and height of the space, plus the doorways and stairs the machines must pass through.
• Confirm whether you have an electric outlet, a gas line, or both for the dryer.
• Check where the dryer vent runs, and how long and straight that run is.
• Look at water supply valves and the drain for the washer.
• Leave room behind the machines for hoses and venting, and check which way the doors swing.

How Price Relates to What You Get

At the low end, you get basic top-load or front-load pairings at around $530 to $900. In the middle, expect larger capacities, steam cycles and smart features. At the top, you are often paying for stacked towers, commercial-style builds or all-in-one combos. Brand comparisons can help narrow your choices, such as LG vs. Samsung, Whirlpool vs. Samsung or GE vs. Whirlpool. You can also browse all brands.

Top Picks

• Best Budget Set: Amana 3.8 CuFt Top Load Washer with 6.5 CuFt Electric Dryer — at $760, it pairs a washer and dryer for close to the price of a single mid-range machine.
• Best Gas Option: Amana 3.8 CuFt Top Load Washer with 6.5 CuFt Gas Dryer — the same pairing as the electric version but with a gas dryer, at $900, for homes with a gas line.
• Best Stacked Unit: Frigidaire Electric Long Vent Stacked Laundry Center — a 3.9 CuFt washer and 5.5 CuFt dryer in one tower for $1,499, suited to tight spaces.
• Best Front Load Set: Maytag 5.0 CuFt Front Load Washer with 7.3 CuFt Electric Dryer — at $1,900, it adds larger capacities and steam-sanitize features for bigger households.

Common Questions

Should I buy a washer and dryer together?

Buying them together keeps the look and capacity matched, and sets are often priced below two separate machines. If one of yours still works, buying a single unit saves money.

Can I switch from electric to gas?

Only if a gas line is already at the dryer location, or you are prepared to have one installed. Otherwise, stick with the hookup you have.

Is a bigger capacity always better?

No. Larger drums suit big households and bulky items, but they take up more space and cost more. Match capacity to your usual load size.

If you are updating more of your home, see refrigerators and ranges too.